Police in Cambodia

Dear Friends,

Just had an experience I wanted to share with all. Having come from living and working in South Asia for 25 years, I was used to dealing with police there. But today's experience made me realize quickly how I need to push the 'reset' button for living in Cambodia.

I had rented a sedan vehicle for the day, hiring one of my favorite persons--a retired Australian Embassy driver, Mr. Cha. He was puttering along a highway when I noticed the police had a new 'speed gun' and were pointing it at everyone. Well, the police 100 m onwards, they were aggressively flagging down every old vehicle (never Lexus or Land Crusers) and ours was one. I assumed all was well as I remained seated in the car until Mr. Cha was getting edgy talking with the police. Thinking Cambodia was like Bangladesh, I stepped outside to what I thought was 'assisting' Mr. Cha. I offered in English to call an Embassy (thinking that would scare the police). I noticed a 2,000 reil note in Mr. Cha's hand ready to hand it over. In Bangladesh, I would have 'embarrassed' the police by getting out of the car and standing to allow the driver to go--assuming all was legitimate. But my presence with Mr. Cha with the police only emboldened the police to press charges against him--trumped up. They say they clocked him going 57 in a 55 km/hr speed. Then when they checked his license, they showed it was paper and not plastic (who knows what was right?).

When I realized that they were going to write him a trumped up ticket for anything, I immediately left him with the police. During this whole time, I noticed at least 25 cars flagged down to the similar marked 'lane' where everyone simply handed out some notes and went on. Ours was the only one that was sitting there now for 20 minutes.

After I left, I am sure that he handed over 2000+ Riel and he immediately found me at my next stop. While I did not discuss with Mr. Cha (he was deeply embarrassed), I want to share with you all: WHEN YOU RENT A CAR--check the license and registration to ensure it is alright. If police stop your car, stay seated and do nothing to interfere--nothing. In fact look the other way.

I have learned what every Cambodian have told me about their police force as true now. While it saddens me that they pick on the poor and elderly, what can I do? Only hurt the situation......unfortunately.

Let us change what we can change and allow what we cannot to be the burden of our colleagues with whom we remain committed, our Cambodian colleagues! Anyone else offer stories or advice? I did not wish to make this email a cut to a Cambodian institution, but advice for foreigners living and working in Cambodia.

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Craig A Meisner, Research and Extension Manager
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
Cambodia Agricultural Value Chain Program (CAVAC)
ADDRESS:
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
CAVAC Phone: 855 (0) 23215819, Ext 155
CAVAC Fax: 855 (0) 23210948
Mail: P.O. Box 1239, Phnom Penh
Courier: CAVAC MAFF, 200 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Mobile: 855 (0) 12427677 (note ‘0’ is dropped when calling outside Cambodia)
Skype address: craig.meisner
Web sites: www.aciar.gov.au/cavac